The Optimist

Brisbane Arcade
If you are looking for local designers and trendy labels this is a good arcade to stroll through in the CBD. 160 Queen Street Mall (07 3221 5977).
Brunswick Street Mall
An alternative shopping area with a bit of an edge. Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Broadway on the MallThis arcade has a lot of everything over two levels, there are some good affordable fashions to be found here. Queen Street, City (07 3229 5233).
Chinatown
Chinatown, adjacent to Brunswick Street Station, offers some of the best food value in Brisbane. There is a market area here where fresh produce may be purchased, and there are also plenty of small Chinese restaurants. They are mainly small family operated businesses which provide tasty fare at reasonable prices, and where many of the customers are themselves Chinese. These restaurants stay open well into the evening.
DFO Factory Outlet
This is a bargain hunters paradise, with over 120 brand name stores offering up to 70% of retail prices. There are a couple of food courts as well so you can rest in between shopping splurges. Located at the Brisbane Airport turn off.1 Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport (07 3305 9250).
MacArthur CentralThis is a new shopping precinct offering a variety of shopping including fashion, gifts, lifestyle, books and much more. Between Queen and Elizabeth Streets, CBD (07 3007 2300).
Paddington
This is a beautiful, historic suburb just west of Brisbane. It has quaint little shop fronts offering an array of shopping, from arts and crafts to specialty shopping. There are plenty of good cafes and places to be pampered. Given Terrace, Paddington
Paddington Antique CentreIf you are looking to browse through or purchase antiques this is the place to see. There are 50 antique dealers here offering everything that is old, from knick knacks to furniture. 167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Queen Street Mall
This is Brisbane's main shopping precinct, with over 500 shops and several arcades. The Mall offers numerous dining options to suit all tastes, as well as having lots of impromptu entertainment, displays and music in the mall. There is always plenty to see and do in this area of Brisbane. Queen Street Mall, CBD.
The Valley
This is Brisbane's trendy, funky shopping precinct. It has a bit of everything and a lot of one offs and up to date labels. You can shop for everything here, fashion, accessories, homewares and much more. There are also plenty of cafes and eateries to revive yourself after pounding the pavements. Ann and Brunswick Streets, Fortitude Valley.
WintergardenThis shopping complex located in the CBD offers upmarket shopping, with jewellery shopping and local fashion designers displaying their designs. 171-209 Queen Street, (07 3229 9755).
Brisbane's Shopping Centres

Brookside Shopping Centre
159 Osbourne Road, Mitchelton (07 3355 5211).
Capalaba Park
Corner Redland Bay Road and Mount Cotton Road, Capalaba (07 3390 2033).
Carindale-Westfield
1151 Creek Road, Carindale (07 3120 5401).
Centro Toombul
1015 Sandgate Road, Toombul (07 3266 7122).
Chermside-Westfield
Corner Gympie and Hamilton Roads, Chermside (07 3559 0755).
Garden City-Westfield
Corner Logan and Kessells Road, Upper Mount Gravatt (07 3349 7744).
Indooroopilly shopping Centre
322 Mogill Road, Indooroopilly (07 3378 4022)
North Lakes-Westfield
Lot 101 North Lakes Drive, Mango hill (07 3491 9072).
Strathpine-Westfield
295 Gympie Road, Strathpine (07 3205 4499).
Toowong Village
9 Sherwood Road, Toowoong (07 3870 7177)